ARC audiobook review from Netgalley: 4 stars!

I absolutely loved the audiobook narrator. I found it so easy to decipher which character was speaking, and for one woman to do it all - that is a task! I would have loved a dual narration for this book... But still she crushed it!

For the book itself, my goodness this slow burn is driving me wild.
I love Wen's sassy attitude!
Wen and Sarah's friendship is precious. I was hoping that this could have been slightly more than a friendship... 💜
Godric and Wen's banter is hilarious, and I just want to know what happens next! Bring on the spice! PLEASE!

I can say that I will gladly continue this series, and hope that I can ARC review the next audiobook!

**5 Stars – An Engaging Fantasy Romance You Won't Want to Put Down**

I thoroughly enjoyed *Celestial Academy: Essence* by Olivia Pharos, so much so that I binged the entire audiobook in just two days! The story pulled me in from the start with its vivid world-building and intriguing characters. Even though some of the character development was a bit predictable—especially the relationship between Wen and Godric—it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the book.

One of the standout aspects for me was the concept of a post-apocalypse where demons and angels coexist with humans. This idea was executed brilliantly, adding depth and a unique twist to the typical fantasy setting. The dynamic between the characters kept me engaged, and the unfolding romance was both satisfying and fun to follow.

I’m eagerly anticipating the next installment to see where the story goes next. If you’re a fan of fantasy and romance, *Celestial Academy: Essence* is definitely worth a listen. Five stars!

My jaw dropped multiple times! I listened to the audio and LOVED IT!! The story pulls you in immediately. I love ALL the morally grey characters. I really hope the second one is done like this with the same narrator as well.

I don’t know what is going on…recently it seems like I’ve found a few more books that have angel/demon dynamics in them. I won’t say that Celestial Academy: Essence the first book in the Afterworld series has large religious intonations, because it definitely does not. It is more like various teams playing on the court. You have team Angels, they appear to be the upper crust of society now and make many of the rules in the human world. Then there is team demons who tend to run some of the shadier happenings in this world. There are also some fey, vampires, shifters, goblins and other supernaturals hanging out too. Then there is the bottom of the food chain so to speak, the humans. Most are sold into slavery to Angels, demons or others. They have been since the world was lost in the magical war twenty-ish years ago. This is the story of one of those Humans, Wen.

Wen, well what can I say I loved her from the beginning. She has sass, an unusual talent, a really high threshold to pain, a mouth that runs away with her when it should just shut up and a propensity to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Owned by a demon she is doing everything to get out of his clutches along with her best friend and roommate Sarah. Wen will do whatever it takes, even if that means selling Angel Essence (something only she seems able to collect) to earn the money needed to buy their freedom. After she is busted by Godrick one of the Nephilim, whom she dubs Angelhole (see sassy), she is swept away to the Celestial school to be trained by none other than the sexy half angel she just can’t help antagonizing. As Godrick tries to whip her into shape, Wen just tries to stay alive in this magical school that seems to want her dead.

There are fights and challenges to move to the next level. Wen, will have a shot to learn what she is capable of and possibly a little bit into the question of who/what she really is. With her bff Sarah also at the school, at least she has one ally.

I hear this is like Zodiac Academy (ZA), but I haven’t read that series yet and so cannot comment on the similarities. Still that said now I want to jump into ZA as well. I always enjoy the magical school set up. Wen is roommate with four other women of various background and the five of them make up one team. They are supposed to learn how to work together to pass the tests coming at them. A little had to do with a demoness, a fey, a paltry human, a Nephilim and whatever Wen is. It was also nice that all the characters are around twenty so them lusting a little here and there felt slightly more mature and less icky. The romance aspect of the story is a really slow burn. The forced proximity wore Godrick down as Wen is likeable overall and her needling of him turned from aggravating to flirtatious. It is a fun relationship to watch.

Come back to me - always

I’m really excited to see what is in story for the characters of this story in the next book. The ending wasn’t a cliff hanger, but the author definitively gave us a tease and dropped a little bomb to get the reader really excited to see where the next story is going to go.

Narration:
I have listened to a few other books that Amanda Leigh Cobb has narrated. I think she is a good pick for this series as it is through Wen's PoV and Amanda delivers Wen's humor and snark really well. She brings out both the tough and the vulnerable sides of the main character while not diminishing the performances of the other characters. I enjoyed her performance of the novel and believe it added to my overall enjoyment of the book. I was able to listen at my usual 1.5x speed.

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ARC and ALC of this book first in a series

Unfortunately I was not able to enjoy this or care about the characters... I listened to 65% before I DNF'D the book.

I can see allot of others liking this book but it wasn't for me

The audiobook was well done with a narrator who was pleasant to listen to

As an avid audiobook enthusiast, I found Celestial Academy: Essence to be an engaging and entertaining listen, particularly for those who enjoy a protagonist with sharp wit and a healthy dose of sarcasm. The narrator excels in bringing Wen, the main character, to life, capturing her snarky and irreverent tone with just the right amount of edge. This is crucial, as much of the story’s humor depends on Wen’s personality.

That said, Wen’s relentless quips can occasionally verge on excessive, which might not sit well with every listener. While her sarcasm often hits the mark, there are moments when it risks becoming grating. However, these instances are balanced by genuinely humorous and entertaining interactions, particularly with Godrick. The playful nicknames Wen gives him add a delightful layer of charm to the narrative, contributing to the slow-burn tension between them. The chemistry between Wen and Godrick simmers throughout the story, though it never quite reaches full "spice"—except in Wen’s fantasies. So, if you’re looking for a very spicy romantasy, this may not fully satisfy that craving, but it remains thoroughly entertaining nonetheless.

One of the novel’s more wholesome elements is the relationship between Wen and Sarah. The narrator skillfully navigates their dynamic, infusing their interactions with warmth and depth. This relationship serves as a grounding force in the story, offering a counterbalance to Wen’s more abrasive tendencies. The emotional resonance between the two characters adds a layer of heart to the book that is both heartwarming and essential.

In terms of pacing and flow, the audiobook maintains a consistent rhythm that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. The transitions between chapters are smooth, with the narrator ensuring that the listener is never lost or disoriented, making for a seamless listening experience.

Overall, Celestial Academy: Essence is a solid recommendation for those who enjoy a blend of fantasy and humor, led by a protagonist who doesn’t shy away from sarcasm. While Wen’s snark might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the audiobook is a worthwhile experience for listeners who appreciate sharp dialogue and a lively narrative. The narration adds an extra dimension to the story, making it an enjoyable choice for fans of the genre.

The blurb didn't quite prepare me for the style of the book, but it is fair to say this is a good debut. I listened to the audio ad the narrator did a fantastic job re pace, emphasis, intonation and alternate character accents, but I did struggle with the American Accept, which was a little saccharine, come high pitched for my taste.

It did take me a good while to get into the story. I think I struggled with the level of attitude that came from Wen, the main character. She is very sassy, dripping with sarcasm, but her wise ass cracks and insults were a bit of the top. She does settle a bit as the story progresses.

The fantasy twists and turns were absolutely great as they were not predictable and offered some really entertaining gear shifts during the story. The pace was good and the relationships built were entertaining and at times quite endearing.

Post 100 pages, I found the read more enjoyable and absorbing, so did get to enjoy the quests, deliberations and outcomes. There was some tension, but I never felt tense or that the characters were in real danger even though technically they could have died. The relationship development between Wen and Godric was quite heart-warming really.

If you like angels. fae, demons, kick ass characters I am sure you will devour this book. decent enough a read for me

This book hit all my fav tropes: paranormal, academy, secret powers/lineage, fated mates (maybe??), post apocalypse… I could go on), this was a very enjoyable listen! I absolutely recommend this audio!

Synopsis: FMC is a 20ish year old who has a PhD in the Real World, which is set after the war of Angels versus Demons. Wen has been indentured to a demon since she finished 6th grade and lives with her best friend who has had a similar fate. To buy their freedom, she begins a one-woman business with an elite drug, Essence, that only she seems to be able to farm/produce from the Angels roaming the Earth. After a drug deal gone wrong, she finds herself under the attention of the archangels and sent to Celestial Academy until they figure out what to do with her for her crimes.

Celestial Academy: Essence is a solid entry in the magical academy genre. This YA fantasy follows a group of teens as they navigate their newfound powers at a school for the supernaturally gifted.

The magic system is intriguing, centered around the idea of "essence" - a unique energy each student must learn to harness. Pharos does a great job of world-building, creating a vivid and immersive academy setting.

Characters are relatable, if sometimes predictable. The main protagonist's journey of self-discovery is particularly well-crafted, though some side characters could use more depth.

While the plot hits familiar beats, Pharos throws in enough twists to keep things interesting. The pacing is spot-on, balancing classroom drama with more high-stakes magical conflicts.

Celestial Academy: Essence is a fun, engaging read that sets up what could be a promising series. It's not reinventing the wheel, but it's a solid choice for fans of magical school stories.

If you are a fan of Crescent City, The Mortal Instruments, and Zodiac Academy then you will EAT THIS UP!

Right away we are introduced to what has become of the Afterworld - the aftermath of the apocalypse of Hell and Heaven. Who is left to clean up the mess, humans, are at the bottom of the food chain.

We meet Wen, a human, who is demon-owned and a complete underdog FMC with one goal in life to get her best friend (Sarah) and her out of indenture before it is too late. Wen has a talent for stealing and dealing angel-essence - which is a drug she can only make. That is when our story starts to unfold as to why which is what the Archangels want to know. Right away she is thrown under the mentorship of our MMC Godric. The tension between the two is fun throughout the whole book as they both explore answers that lead them to the Celestial Academy.

The side characters are so interesting and have their complexities. Tropes I loved that I found:
🪽 Enemies to lovers
🪽 Grumpy/Sunshine Pairing
🪽 Slow-burn romance
🪽 Friendship/Loyalty
🪽 Forced Proximity
🪽 Chosen One
🪽 Magical Academy

A huge kudos to narrator Amanda Leigh Cobb who has narrated for ACOWAR, ACOSF, and the Crowns of Nyaxia series. They made this so fun to listen to while I was reading.

BIG THANK YOU to NetGalley and of course Olivia Pharos (indie author) for the ARC audio. 💖

The introduction to the characters was amazing and the action has be hooked from the start.
The world building with the Angels, the family tree and the idea of the academy seemed really cool. Once they start training the pace It felt really slow compared to beginning, with not a lot happening, but definitely a lot of world building, making it seemed like this book is the set up for the next one and not necessarily it's own story.
The romance and the sexual tension felt a little out of left field and not really earn but that could just be me.
Over all the problems presented in the last third definitely left me intrigued for the next one. I would just prefer more action and a more earned romance

Mini Review: Celestial Academy: Essence

If you’re searching for your next book addiction, Celestial Academy: Essence is it. I loved it so much!!

This dark academia, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance plunges you into a vivid post-apocalyptic world where angels, demons, and morally grey characters navigate the treacherous halls of a military academy for supernaturals. The slow-burn romance will have you hooked as the protagonists Wen White battles not just this new and dangerous world but her undeniable attraction to the angel that is likely to be the death of her. With a found family dynamic and apocalyptic stakes, this new-adult fantasy is brimming with suspense, mystery, and soul-searing, swoon-worthy passion. You won’t want to put it down—or leave its world behind.

Cant wait for book 2

NB: The audiobook is brilliant. I loved the narrator.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book I really enjoyed it! Really reminded be of Zodiac Academy with a very strong Female main character. Was amazing and need more!

Surprisingly good. Started off fine, but kept getting more and more interesting. Though it was awful when she got hit by a certain body part (you'll understand when you get there). Some of the twists were a bit obvious, but I still enjoyed it and now want to read the next book!

Also had Cresent city / harry potter-ish vibes and I enjoyed it more than I was expecting to. Though the slow burn nearly killed me! Another reason to read the sequel 😂

I really enjoyed this book. Alot of the fantasy books have been about dragons lately. It was nice to change it up to haven/hell/angels. Wen, the FMC, is my favorite, her inter dialog was hilarious. I will say the enemy to lovers is a slow burn and only seems one sided for most of the book. Totally worth the read and can't wait to get the next book in the series.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. This book is unexpectedly humorous, and I'm here for the banter between the main female character, Wen, and the main male character, Godric. Specifically, the nicknames Wen comes up for for the other characters in the story! The TENSION between Wen & Godric is INSANE. Just kiss already! One aspect of this book I find interesting is the use of technology in a magical world. This is hard to do & I feel the author was very successful in doing it! I NEED the next book NOW!

I absolutely ate this book up! I'm a sucker for powers and trials! Looking forward to book 2!

Publisher's summary
In an Afterworld with Hell and Heaven on Earth, I'm the lowest a being can be. My life is one of drudgery, degradation—and danger. And that's before I started dealing Angelescence, a drug only I can produce, and everyone would kill for. Then I make one single mistake, and it gets me arrested, and my terrifying captor drags me to the Celestial Court—on a leash—to stand trial. My sentence?
Conscription to Celestial Academy—with Godric, the most powerful nephilim in history and Heaven's assassin as my mentor. He's been assigned with discovering the root of my unprecedented ability to capture Angel Essence.
We hate our forced proximity—and each other. But our private war takes a backseat as he unearths even more terrible mysteries within me. Meanwhile, lethal trials loom at mid-term, and a devastating internal war as well as another Apocalypse are brewing. And I'm at the center of it all.

Thanks to NetGaley & Olivia Pharos for the ALC of this book!

Celestial Academy: Essence
By: Olivia Pharos
Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb
Publisher: Olivia Pharos
Series: Afterworld, Book 1
Length: 14 hrs and 57 mins
Release date: 05-30-24

I am addicted. I LOVED this book and the narration was perfect in my humble opinion! Paranormal, post-apocalyptic, urban fantasy, dark academia, slow burn angst, mystery, high stakes...it was all of my favorites wrapped into one!

Gwen is a strong FMC. She is witty, snarky, hard-headed, brave and fiercely loyal to her chosen family. While she may not have the best self preservation skills, I LOVED her sass! I was chuckled and giggling throughout the story and I thought the narrator captured her personality beautifully.

Godric is our dark, mysterious, dangerous and no-nonsense MMC. He is broody and the polar opposite of Gwen. There is still so much to learn about him in the future books and I can not wait! The instant distain between the pair was glorious (pun intended).

On the storyline side you have an Angel and Demon run dystopian world following Armageddon. Most humans are slaves to one side or the other. As a demon-owed, Gwen is just trying to do whatever it takes to buy her families freedom. She ends up in the crosshairs of the Angels and is soon swept into a world much larger than she imagined. Worse, she is in the middle of a Millenia old conflict with no real understanding of the stakes or her role in it. Several strong side characters made for a really well rounded story.

On the romance side you have enemies-to-tolerate, forced proximity, opposites attract, slow burn, and all the angst. I have seen other reviews mentioning the FMC is a teenager - that was not my impression at all. From my listening, I had her aged early 20s. I wouldn't say there was any "spice" in this book but the internal thoughts and dialogue is very much NA/adult maturity level. I suspect some toe curling in future books!

Overall, the storyline was captivating and unique. The characters were well-developed and entertaining. The pacing was great and I never lost interest. The narration was fantastic and I pray Amanda Leigh Cobb narrates the future books, maybe adding in a male narrator for a more duet style production. My biggest struggle right now is that I want to tear into book 2 BUT I want to wait for the audio format to continue the experience....decisions, decisions. Either way, this will likely become a bookshelf trophy series because I LOVED IT!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Gripping, Dark, and Witty Slow Burn that Fans of Jasmine Mas and Eva Chase Will Devour!

If you’re on the hunt for a series that masterfully combines the gritty intensity of The Mortal Instruments with the fierce, action-packed energy of Fourth Wing, Celestial Academy: Essence by Olivia Pharos is your next must-read.

Pharos weaves a complex and enthralling world that echoes the depth of Crescent City, but with the vibrant cast and biting humor reminiscent of Zodiac Academy. The story is packed with tension, steam, and an intricate slow-burn romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.

Wen’s journey from an orphaned slave to a key player in the celestial conflict is nothing short of mesmerizing. The push and pull between Wen and Godric, her ruthless mentor, is electric, filled with seething desire and forbidden cravings that threaten to explode at any moment. The chemistry between them is off the charts, but it’s the slow build that makes it all the more satisfying.

The world-building is top-notch, creating a dark and dangerous Afterworld where Heaven and Hell literally walk the Earth. Pharos doesn't hold back on the stakes—there's mystery, suspense, and a looming apocalypse that puts Wen right at the center of it all.

For those who love their fantasy with a dose of danger, a side of wit, and a whole lot of steam, Celestial Academy: Essence is a perfect fit. This book is not just a read; it's an experience that will leave you craving more. I can't wait to dive into the next installment and see where Wen's journey takes her next!

Ok this was actually SO GOOD. I loved the audio because it kept me engaged through the beginning as the world was being set. It definitely gave Zodiac Academy vibes, which I loved!! I highly recommend to those who love magical worlds like ZA. The romance was a slow burn and I loved it! 🥰